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These pineapple chicken kebabs are packed with flavor and the perfect grilling recipe. We put together chunks of chicken breast paired with bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple and glazed with tangy BBQ sauce.
Sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy—that’s exactly how I like my food and how I want to live my life.
I mean, that sounds like I’m some sort of wild child, but really, I’m just an ordinary gal who enjoys traveling, eating her weight in good food, and indulging in a few adult beverages.
I’m the perfect example of a childless mid-30s married woman.
This summer has been nothing short of amazing, and the travel has been my FAVORITE part.
I went to Maine with my New York family, to Hilton Head with my best friends, and then to Vegas with my blogger friends.
PLUS, I’m going to be going to Florida next week. I. Cannot. Wait.
In the meantime, I’m working my little buns off to bring you delicious summer meals for all the weeks I’m out of town.
That means I think you’ll LOVE these BBQ Hawaiian chicken kebabs because they have summer written all over them.
I mean, besides the whole threading the kebab they are about as easy as you can get. If you have kids who have good hand/eye control, maybe give them this job.
Isn’t that why you had kids? So they can do the kebab threading job?
If you’re super fancy you can always make your own easy BBQ sauce or just buy Sweet Baby Ray’s.
Also, don’t skimp on using fresh pineapple for these BBQ Hawaiian chicken kebabs.
As much as there is a time and a place for canned pineapple, this recipe is not one of them.
I know I’m super contradictory in telling you to buy your BBQ sauce but only use fresh pineapple but I’m finicky like that.
I would say being finicky is my best trait, but I’m pretty sure we all know that it is a big fat lie.
If you don’t already own skewers, one tiny tip for making these pineapple chicken kebabs.
If you use wooden skewers you need to soak them in water before using them.
This helps them not burn so quickly on the grill. If I can remember, I like to soak mine overnight or at least a few hours before using them. If you have metal skewers, you’re fine.
More grilled skewer recipes
- Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Sweet and Sour Turkey Kebabs
- Hot Honey Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Chicken Meatballs and Peppers Skewers
Tools for making these Pineapple Chicken Kebabs
- Propane or charcoal grill
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Long-handled stainless steel basting brush
Pineapple Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chunked
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 2×2 pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 2×2 pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 2×2 pieces
- 1 orange bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 2×2 pieces
- 1 small red onion, cored, seeded, and cut into 2×2 pieces
- ½ pineapple, cored and cut into 2×2 pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Soaked wooden or metal skewers
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Sprinkle minced cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl add chunked chicken breast, bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, pineapple, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Thread the vegetables and meat equally onto the skewers. I like to have 3 chunks of meat per skewer but make sure to leave 1-1/2 to 2 inches on each side of the skewer so they are easy to turn on the grill.
- Add skewers to the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side.
- After 10 minutes start glazing the kebabs with bbq sauce and let it caramelize while the chicken continues to cook.
- Once the kebabs are full cooked sprinkle with cilantro and serve.
- * Depending on the size of your chunks of chicken you get an average of 8 skewers.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I can’t wait to throw these on the grill! What a great flavor combo!
I’ve loved seeing your travel photos on Instagram! Also I love these BBQ Hawaiian chicken kebabs! I’m crazy about BBQ and Pineapple together so these are amazing to me!
I’d love to dig right into these, just need a small serving of rice and a fruity cocktail to make it complete .
Pineapples on a kebob sounds sooooo good! I LOVE grilling season!
This is such a great summer recipe!
These look SO yummy and flavorful!
These are mouth watering! I need these in my life!!!
Delightful! Please share this with the Food on Friday crowd over at Carole’s Chatter. Cheers
Why do you need to preheat oven?
Thank you!